Irish can cash in with Slam win

England will be braced for the big hits in Dublin on Sunday aware that the biggest hit of all could be to their pockets.

Italy’s sensational win in Rome yesterday eliminated the title favourites from the Grand Slam equation, presenting Ireland will a heaven-sent opportunity to condemn the highest-paid team to the same fate.

A home win would put the Irish in pole position for a clean sweep worth a record €6m — some €600,000 more than Wales collected last year.